Battle for Middle-Earth - Rohan, part 2

Share.

Check out the base parts for Rohan as well as a three minute long video strategy commentary

By EALA

The horse lords of Rohan are a hardy lot. Not only do they live on top of a craggy hill for defense, but manage to defend territory that's spread out all over the land. When the War of the Ring started it's gruesome march across all of Middle-earth, Rohan was suddenly under constant siege from Isengard. Many outlying villages and towns fell to the various forces mustering under Saruman's banner and the only way to even try to defend them was on horseback. Luckily, the armies of Rohan pride themselves on those types of skills. If you haven't seen it already, you can check out the rollout of the armies of Rohan from earlier this week. After you're done with that, come back here and read about all of the structures of Rohan and then hit up the media section for a three minute long video on the various strategies Rohan can employ to win a conflict. There are four different formats of the video in the media section, and a direct link below to the 16.9MB 320x240 Windows Media version.

And remember, we'll be focusing on a different army every two weeks before Battle for Middle-Earth is released in the middle of November with info on units, buildings and more strategy videos.

In order to have great Rohirrim, the horse and rider must trust each other. Trust is built by working together early at the stables. From the Rohan Stables, all Rohirrim are taught to work as one with their horse. With horse and man as one, these legendary riders are unleashed upon the world with their mighty hooves ready to crush the enemy. Rohan Stables are also able to produce a Horse Shield upgrade that is used to provide better protection for the horse.

Archery Range

The Archery Range is setup so that you can train Yeoman Archers in the art of taking down the enemy without putting anyone in harms way. If you have summoned the power of the Elves, you are also able to build Elven Archers here as well. Should you ever wish to equip your archers with Fire Arrows, simply build the upgrade here.

Farm

From the humble Rohan Farm come the resources to build a kingdom. The simple Rohan Farmer harvests his crops, which are turned into resources to build the Archers and Horsemen needed to defend Rohan. Each farm is equipped by an able Peasant who can be drafted into the Rohan army in desperate times. As an added bonus, a farm will lower your resource cost to build more Rohan cavalry units.

Armory

Rohan Banner units need to be specially trained and the Armory is the place to do it. The smiths in the Armory train the Banner units to lead their battalion to victory. Defeat is never mentioned. Both Heavy Armor and Forged Blades upgrades can be developed here.

Well

Wells are created so that the mighty Rohan army may heal their wounds. The strategic placement of a well can sometimes decide the outcome of a fierce battle. However, the healing process only happens to units in close proximity of the well and is not under attack.

Heroic Statue

Before heading out to meet the enemy in battle, Rohan units can rally at the Heroic Statue to receive a leadership bonus. While defending their Rohan base, they gain ranks twice as fast. Heroes cannot receive this bonus as they are legends unto themselves.

Battle Tower

This strong base defense provides elevation and opportunity for Rohan's Archers to fell charging enemies before they reach the base perimeter. With the ability to be garrisoned by two battalions, Archers may shoot out of this tower. These Archers are twice as tough while inside the tower so it may take several enemy units to charge in to clear it. If the tower is destroyed, everybody inside is instantly killed.

Postern Gate

A secret gate built in the side of any wall is one of the most strategic structures in all of Middle-earth. A Postern Gate in the outer wall allows Rohan units to enter and leave in secret giving them an enormous advantage as enemy units cannot see or use the gate. Use this gate wisely as it can help to provide a deadly flanking maneuver on the enemy at the front gates.

Golden Hall

The center of Rohan lore, the Golden Hall can be fortified with steel-willed Rohan fighters and cannot be penetrated by enemy forces. Fallen Heroes can be revived in the Golden Hall.

Rohan Castle

Players can create Rohan fortresses on any open castle plot that are found on the battlefield. These plots are ruined areas with a foundation, old ruined walls and a flag. Once built, the encampment is surrounded by low wooden walls that troops can walk on. Even though you have the ability to build Battle Towers and a Postern Gate, you do not have the upgrades to strengthen your walls or main gate.

Rohan Camp

Players can create Rohan camps on any camp field plot. Once built, there will be 4 available plots to build other structures. The camp is surrounded by a low earthen wall fitted with wooden stakes on top, thus making it impossible to stand on or fight from.. Defending the outlying Rohan Camps and while executing strong hit-and-run attacks is key to protecting the city of Edoras.

Rohan Camp Plot

From these plots, the player can build any structure available to the side of Rohan.

Ent Moot

Deep in the forest are gathering grounds for the natural magic of the Ents. From the sacred ring of an Ent Moot rise up to four mighty Ents. Ent Moots can only be built on some plots discovered on the battlefield. When first activated, 6 Ents will gather in a circle around the Ent Moot along with Treebeard and will "debate" whether to go to war or not. Eventually they will subside and enrage with fury to go to war, unless the debate is interrupted by attack. The player may begin to build Ents at the Ent Moot once the debate has ended. As a bonus an Ent Moot can also heal friendly troops.

Rohan Upgrades

Rohan Armory Banner

A battalion of Rohirrim can ride to victory with the strength of the Rohan armory banner. With a banner in place, your troops will strength their attacks and fight for Rohan until their last breath. Equip a Rohan banner whenever possible to ensure a swift and strong attack on your enemy.

Armory Forged Blade

Armed with stronger yet lighter weaponry, a Rohan fighter with Forged Blades can inflict grievous wounds. With this upgrade, a fighter is capable of rapid strokes which take down enemy units with great speed.

Heavy Armor

Soldiers of Rohan can acquire Heavy Armor, which greatly improves their fighting endurance. With upgraded armor, a soldier of Rohan can withstand more punishment, thus allowing them to inflict additional damage against the enemy.

Horse Shields

Equipping the horsemen with stronger shields will allow them to last longer in the toughest of battles. With this protection, horsemen can more safely penetrate enemy lines, thus providing great intelligence about an enemies reinforcements.

Fire Arrows

With Ents as allies, you might wonder why Rohan would require such an upgrade. Arming your Archers with Fire Arrows increases their fighting effectiveness against enemy siege weaponry and buildings.